A. P. Herbert

The Big Parade

Boadicea from the Bridge looked down,And saw the Yankee tanks invade the town.Boadicea held her head more highTo hail the Sherman and the proud G.I.'Eyes right!' she said. 'Fine fellows though you are,You're not the first to drive an armoured car.Halt, soldiers, halt! For here is one can tellA tale of fighting chariots as well.Look up, brave girls. In a.d. 61I led the lads, and saw the Roman run.God speed you too against an alien mob:God bless you all for joining in the job.By Grant! By Sherman!' said the queen of queens.I wish I'd had such men, and such machines.'

They passed. And Parliament, across the way,Discussed the principle of equal pay.April 2, 1944